Physical Sciences-Oncology Center

The Physical Sciences-Oncology Center (PS-OC) combines approaches from physical sciences and biology to investigate how cancers originate and progress, and optimal ways of treating them. It is a collaboration among investigators from Memorial Sloan Kettering, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the City College of New York, and Vanderbilt University.

Our interdisciplinary faculty includes mathematical and computational biologists, physicists, engineers, cancer biologists, clinical oncologists, and cancer surgeons who collaborate to bridge the divide between the physical sciences and oncology. Our goal is to develop a better understanding of how cancer is initiated, how its behavior changes over time, how it responds to therapy, and how resistance to a treatment can emerge.

We are using data from genomic research, experiments in cellculture and laboratory animals, and mathematical models to evaluate and test hypotheses. Our current work is focused on studying cancers of the brain, lung, and blood.

In addition, our Brain Tumor Center was awarded a PS-OC T32 Training Grant in 2012 to create a trans-disciplinary training program, converging the physical sciences with cancer biology and fostering a new research field.

blood (blud)

A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

brain tumor (brayn TOO-mer)

The growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. Brain tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cell (sel)

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)

Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

culture (KUL-cher)

The beliefs, values, and behaviors that are shared within a group, such as a religious group or a nation. Culture includes language, customs, and beliefs about roles and relationships.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

lung (lung)

One of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide from the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

oncology (on-KAH-loh-jee)

The study of cancer.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

resistance

Failure of a cancer to shrink after treatment.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)